to trigger the market sentiment one way or the other. Investing using systematic investment plans through the mutual fund route safeguards against all outside parameters that can drive the equity market sentiment.

Think Long Term: The best way to make substantial gains in the equity market is to always think long term. Investing is a journey and not a detour. People who understand the importance of investing in the long term are much more successful in the equity market compared to short term speculators. Unless you are a trader with adequate knowledge of market sentiment and analysis, one should always focus on company fundamentals and invest with a long term strategy.

Considering 2014 will see a new central government, chances are that any new decisions that the government might take would fructify in the next two to three years. In such a scenario, people investing in equity market in 2014 are better off having a long term investment strategy in place.

Take Decisions based on Fundamentals: Make sure that all your investment related decisions this year are influenced by company fundamentals. This year try and learn the basic of reading company quarterly report projections and balance sheets. The more one learns about the fundamental analysis of the company in question, the better the chances of taking a good investment decision. Fundamental analysis after all acts as the walking stick in the rough times to counter any negative market sentiment.

Keep an Eye on Market Influencing News: Equity markets can be a high risk affair especially in an election year. Considering that stakes are high for a positive change in the central government, there may be a case of adequate fall in case no party gets a majority in the Lok Sabha Polls. As an educated investor, it is essential that one takes equity investment decisions that are in tune with the overall economic analysis of the country along with the basic company fundamental of the investing company.